Page 17

At Runa’s indrawn breath, I smirked. “Are you sure you want to do business with this male?”

“You’re lying.”

“Am I?” I wasn’t.

When she cast another worried glance in Vex’s direction, I took the opportunity to study her partners. Kronk sat with his arms folded, stony face a mask of rage. Though Drazen had his back to us, smoke coiled above his head. Apparently, the negotiations had taken a turn for the worse. Good.

“Tell me, pet. How did a charming sorceress like you become a criminal?” I observed the group at a table next to us. The closest had a scabbard and sword belted around his hips. Not a bad option, but it would be difficult to wield with my wrists bound.

The glare Runa cast me was devoid of amusement. “If you think to distract me so you can grab that sword, it won’t work.”

Touché. My lips curled. “You wound me. Perhaps I’m merely making small talk. After all, it’s been years since I sat in a bar next to a beautiful woman.” This, at least, was the truth.

“First, I’m charming. Now, I’m beautiful,” she snorted. “Do the women in your world actually fall for that bula dung?”

“You may find this surprising, but women have been known to fall at my feet with but a crook of my finger.”

“You don’t say.” She batted her lashes. Her lavender eyessparked with an evil gleam that wasn’t unattractive. “Perhaps you should switch tactics then and not speak.”

This time, I was unable to stop the smirk that curled my lips.

Now, I was genuinely curious. “Fine, we will barter then. If you answer my question, I’ll answer one of yours.”

She narrowed her eyes, taking my measure while I considered the dagger she pressed to my side. This weapon I could wield easily with my hands bound.

As if she could read my thoughts, she offered a winsome smile. “Do it, and I’ll cut out more than a kidney.”

My smirk spread into a grin. “I love it when you talk dirty to me.” Strangely, this, too, was another truth.

“You first.” Sadly, she ignored my taunting. “Explain to me why the mortal world banished you.”

“Easy enough. I was framed.”

At this, she snorted a laugh. “You’re kidding. The Great Victor Custodis was outwitted?”

I scowled, not appreciating her laughter. “Even the mightiest of leaders can have a bad day.”

“Bad day,” she scoffed.

“You’ve never made a mistake?”

Her smile fell. “I’m beginning to think this conversation is one.”

Two tankards slapped down before us. The waitress held out her palm and snapped her fingers.

“Don’t suppose you’ll be paying.” Runa glowered at me.

It was yet another reminder I was a pauper with nary a cent to my name. No power. No title. Vulnerable.Focus, dammit. It was past time I parted ways with my bandits. Still, I found myself responding in a teasing manner, unwilling to end our conversation. “I believe I am here asyourguest byyourinvitation.”

Under her breath, she muttered, “And he claims I’m the criminal.”

As she slipped her fingers into a coin purse attached to her belt, a plan took shape. I could knock the ale into the sorceress’s lap, grab the dagger while she was distracted, and take the waitress hostage, making my escape. And yet, for some reason, I hesitated. Our bargain wasn’t fulfilled.

Once the waitress accepted her payment and disappeared into the crowd, I turned to my companion.

“I answered your question. So, tell me, little thief, what led you to a life of crime?”

Shadows darkened the exotic angles of her face, and she lowered her gaze to the tankard in front of her. “The false king. He takes more than the realm and its people can afford to give. I felt it was my duty to help restore the balance.”